Sofyan Amrabat produced a wonderful display as Morocco came from behind to beat Malawi and book their place in the quarter-finals of the African Cup of Nations on Tuesday. Tottenham are close to his signing.
Reports on Tuesday ahead of the game emerged that 25-year-old Amrabat is nearing a loan-to-buy move to Tottenham. Struggling for game time at Fiorentina, Antonio Conte is said to see Amrabat as ideal for his midfield.
CalcioMercato report that Spurs are closing in on a deal that will include a £12.5million permanent deal. Fiorentina signed him from Club Brugge for £17million – but it appears they are willing to take a loss on the Moroccan.
On Tuesday, his side produced a superb comeback to beat Malawi – with Sevilla’s Youssef En-Nesyri equalising with a header. One of Conte’s old players, Achraf Hakimi, scored a stunning free-kick to win 2-1.
But the win was helped by a stunning midfield performance from Amrabat – despite the rumours of a Tottenham move. He dictated the play in the middle, lasting the entire 90 minutes for the third time in a row.
Amrabat stats: Tottenham target shines, passing was eye-catching
WhoScored report that Amrabat attempted 88 passes – far more than his teammates, with Hakimi next, producing 65. Of those 88, he completed 78 – a superb effort. He also completed a huge 13 successful long balls.
Top of the class in terms of pass completion, and long balls. It shows just why Conte wants to bring him to Tottenham. Although there has been hesitancy over a move for Amrabat, his AFCON display was excellent.
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